The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, wants the teaching of indigenous languages to be made compulsory in Ugandan schools.
“Education is the key that unlocks our potential. As such, it is important to select those subjects that will drive the transformation agenda.
In my opinion these four subjects, ICT, agriculture, history and indigenous languages, should be compulsory, I believe the one who masters ICT will conquer the world.
The world will not belong to those who own oil, gas or gold, those who master ICT will conquer the world,” Mayiga said during the commissioning of the newly constructed Australia House yesterday at King’s College Budo in Wakiso district.
He urged Ugandans, especially teachers and students to embrace local languages because they are richer than the foreign ones.
Mayiga said many members of the current generation prefer English to local languages, a development he described as disturbing. In his speech, Mayiga said teachers in Uganda should start teaching students in their mother tongue because local languages are the depository of the country’s heritage.
“You understand new things when you understand yourself best; this is scientifically proven so you should not stop teaching them,” Mayiga said.
In 2007, Uganda rolled out the thematic curriculum in the classes of Primary One up to Three. Under this curriculum, pupils are taught in their mother tongue.
According to experts, this method of teaching enables learners to grasp concepts faster and better.
However, 17 years down the road, Uganda still faces challenges because children not only struggle to learn in their local tongue, but also struggle to transition to English.
He also called on the students to take advantage of being in school because it is one of the important stages towards the realisation of their dreams.
The official opening of the Australia House was laced with traditional music performances by students.
The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Moses Banja, said the modern building will de-congest the boys’ dormitories.
“God has blessed us with wisdom and knowledge to be able to construct wonderful buildings and we are going to use these building for his glory. The school’s leadership is determined to address all the needs of the students,” Banja said.
Addressing guests, Canon John Fred Kazibwe, the school’s headteacher, thanked God for enabling his team to build on the firm foundation that was laid by the forefathers.
“We shall foster the dream of our ancestors that to make King’s College Budo the best secondary school in Africa. Gakyali Mabaga,” the headteacher said.
He assured parents and students, that though many are against him for taking down old buildings and constructing new ones, he will not relent.
“When we started building, some people said I was going to break the school chapel. We are still dreaming big for Budo and we shall preserve what must be preserved like the house where King Mutesa resided as a student,” Kazibwe said.
He added that King’s College Budo has remained competitive over the years as evidenced by its excellent performance in national exams.
The school was officially opened on March 29, 1906 with an enrolment of 21 boys. It was founded by the colonial government and the Church Missionary Society.
It espouses Christian principles and the Buganda traditions. The school has remained an academic giant, more than 100 years after its founding.
ABOUT AUSTRALIA HOUSE
The new building which was completed this year, is now occupied by 390 boys.
It is a modern building with fire safety elements, steel roof and built with mortar plaster type which has longer fire-resistance properties.
The structure has fire alarms, smoke, fire extinguishers on every floor, evacuation routes and emergency exits. It comes along with a basketball court, enough flush toilets and bathrooms.
THE CHANGING FACE OF BUDO
The old buildings at the school are still standing but most of them have been given a new coat of paint. They look fresh along with green and a lush environment.
Most of the roads have been constructed, something that the Katikkiro said makes it look like a school for the King.
“The last time I was here, the roads were bad. But, I was amused, most of the roads have been constructed,” Mayiga said.
It was also revealed that most teacher’s houses have modern toilets as opposed to pit latrines and that the school is debt-free.
